Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼

Skip to content

Sicily's most enduring visitor destination, Agrigento is most famous for its classical Greek temples which sit on a sloping ridge within the so-called Valley of the Temples, just below the town. Dating back to the 5th century BC, the ruins were part of the ancient city of Akragas, once one of the Greek Empire's most lavish outposts.

The modern town of Agrigento has a storied medieval core, Baroque churches, a Norman cathedral and many lively restaurants and bars lining the narrow, winding streets. It makes for an atmospheric place to stroll after a day of sightseeing.

While Agrigento’s focal point is the Valley of the Temples (my tip is to tour them by night, when it’s cooler), if you do nothing else, make sure to try some of its almond delicacies, beloved throughout Italy.

Italy specialist Caroline

Things to see and do in Agrigento

Valley of the Temples

Founded in 581 BC by settlers from Gela and Rhodes, Akragas was a vast city renowned for its wealth. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses a grid of ancient streets as well as five massive Doric temples.

The oldest surviving of these is the Temple of Hercules which dates from the end of the 6th century BC and sits among a cluster of ruins in the east of the site. There's also a garden full of olive and citrus trees and a comprehensive archaeological museum that houses a large collection of ceramics and sculptures.

Temples of Concordia and Juno

The best preserved monument in the Valley of the Temples is the Temple of Concordia, a colossal structure that offers a good sense of how prosperous and significant Akragas once was. The building is one of the largest and most intact Doric temples in the world. Its proportions and elegantly simple design are largely untouched despite being converted into a Christian basilica in the 6th century.

Nearby is the very similar Temple of Juno, which was damaged by an earthquake in the Middle Ages and is less well preserved. On the eastern side of the temple, however, are the clear remains of a sacrificial altar.

Favara Cultural Farm

Just east of Agrigento, Favara is a maze of small lanes and twisting streets adorned with contemporary urban art and sculpture. Formerly a struggling town with a dwindling population, it has become one of Sicily's trendiest destinations thanks to an ambitious regeneration project.

Restored buildings now house gallery spaces, bookshops, vintage clothes stores, cafés, boutiques and bars. Artists and craftspeople flock here and there are permanent and temporary exhibitions of paintings and photography as well as regular art and cultural events. It's a vibrant place to wander around, with a small castle to explore and a thriving art market.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ Specialist Shannon

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Agrigento by contacting one of our Italy specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Agrigento

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Agrigento, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Agrigento

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Agrigento

    Our expert guides to exploring Agrigento

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Agrigento, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Agrigento at its best.

    • Where to visit in Sicily
      Ancient statue, Palermo

      Where to visit in Sicily

      Where to visit in Sicily

      Beyond its azure waters and white pebbled beaches, Sicily offers a complex cultural experience, one that is seen in its Baroque churches, open-air markets, Greek ruins and complex cuisine. Discover why it’s the crossroads of the Mediterranean with Audley specialist Kimberly.

      3 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Agrigento

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Agrigento. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    • Fontes Episcopi, Agrigento
      Responsible Choice

      Fontes Episcopi

      Agrigento
      Medium

    Ideas for experiencing Agrigento

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Agrigento, and which use the best local guides.

    • Agrigento: Valley of the Temples tour
      Ancient temple, Agrigento

      Agrigento: Valley of the Temples tour

      Agrigento: Valley of the Temples tour

      The city of Akragas was one of the most lavish ancient Greek outposts and much of it remains intact in the Valley of the Temples. It is best toured with a knowledgeable guide who can reveal its many treasures and mysteries.

      View details